The Sign of the Twisted Candles
#17 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (43)
What’s inside...
In 'The Solution of a Mystery,' young Richard Radford is charged with the murder of rent-collector Roger Maidment in Ullathwaite. Despite being at risk of death, Richard refuses to reveal his whereabouts on the night of the murder, baffling the town and leaving both the prosecution and defense uncertain. The story explores the consequences of keeping secrets and how, in extraordinary circumstances, they can become mysteries of the ages.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
Bess Marvin
Carol Wipple
George Fayne
Carson Drew
Asa Sidney
Mrs. Jemitt
Mr. Jemitt
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Bess and George to help Nancy with her investigation?
How do you feel about the way Frank Jemitt's story unfolds and changes throughout the book?
If you were in Nancy's shoes, how would you handle the mystery of the twisted candles?
What are your thoughts on the relationships between the characters, especially between Asa Sidney and Carol Wipple?
How does solving the mystery help Nancy grow as a person? Do you think mysteries change the way we see the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the mystery and asking your child about their favorite part of the book.
Encourage your child to think about the clues presented in the story and ask what they would do differently if they were the detective.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas characters face in the story to deepen understanding of right and wrong.
Link the story’s themes to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to relate to and learn from the book.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to ask questions, fostering a deeper connection with the reading material and stimulating critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'The Sign of the Twisted Candles', Nancy exhibits empathy by understanding the feelings and situations of other characters, notably the elderly innkeeper.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to understand and share the feelings of their peers and family members, promoting a more compassionate and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist, Nancy, consistently faces challenges and mysteries that require critical thinking and resourcefulness to solve.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own problems with patience and creative thinking, crucial skills in school and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Nancy demonstrates courage throughout the book as she confronts villains and navigates dangerous situations in pursuit of justice.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right and facing their fears, even when it might be easier to avoid challenges.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: The story illustrates the value of honesty and sticking to one's moral principles, even when faced with difficult choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of maintaining their integrity in everyday decisions and interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Nancy's determination to solve the mystery, regardless of the obstacles she faces, highlights the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that persistence in the face of challenges is key to achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.